ISLAMABAD – The supreme court of Pakistan has taken a suo moto notice of the sit-in staged by religious groups in Islamabad that has virtually paralysed the city from last 17 days.

The top court inquired as to what initiatives were taken to safeguard the basic rights of the citizens besides issuing notices to Inspector General Police Islamabad, Inspector General Police Punjab and Attorney General.

The apex court sought a detailed report about the sit-in from Secretary Defence and Secretary Interior by Thursday, November 23.

Justice Isa during the hearing said Article 14 of the Constitution allows freedom of movement to the public. He asked government authorities to explain what steps have been taken to protect public’s basic rights.

The Supreme Court’s notice comes days after the Islamabad High Court directed the protesters to call off the dharna staged as a protest against the amendment in Khatam e Nabuuwat clause in the recently passed Election Bill 2017.

Though the said clause has been restored in the original form, even then the protesters, mainly leaders of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan are demanding to name the individual who was behind the amendment.

Meanwhile, another round of talks between the representatives of governments and religious groups ended without a major breakthrough on Monday, however, the governemnt decided to constitute another committee to resolve the matter amicably.

Moreover, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz led federal government has also decided to bring forth the recommendations put forward by the committee that investigated the amendment controversy.